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March
29, 2000 Manitoba Public Insurance announced today that it will extend an annual discount of up to $100 to motorists who purchase either of two anti-theft devices that have been approved by the nationally-recognized Vehicle Information Centre of Canada (VICC). "Auto theft is a crime of opportunity which cost Manitoba premium payers more than $20.5 million in 1999," said John Douglas, MPI vice-president of corporate public affairs. "On average, a shocking 23 vehicles per day are stolen within the city of Winnipeg and we are working hard with our partners to bring that under control." As part of its continuing battle against auto theft, MPI is offering a discount for motorists who equip their vehicles with the PFK Autowatch 329 Ti, or the Magtec 6000 anti-theft devices. Both devices are passive immobilizing systems which disable several key vehicle systems - such as the ignition, starter and fuel systems -- if the vehicle is stolen. Both devices were approved by VICC after an extensive testing and evaluation process and are now being sold by several Winnipeg outlets whose technicians have successfully completed a training course. Check www.mpi.mb.ca for a link to the VICC-approved list of installers. CAA Manitoba has also joined in the fight to combat auto theft, also offering the Magtec 6000 to its members. The discount, which took effect March 1, applies to any after-market anti theft device that meets the VICC national standard. Discounts range from $30 to $100 depending on the vehicle's make and model. Generally, savings are equivalent to about four per cent on an insurance premium. VICC-Approved VICC was founded by Canada's automobile insurance industry to analyze the costs associated with insuring different models of cars. "We have determined that immobilizers are the most effective means of vehicle theft prevention," said VICC President and CEO Henning Norup. "A secure system is only as good as the quality of its installation. VICC has developed a Canadian standard that sets out minimum performance requirements for electronic vehicle immobilization systems." As more passive immobilizing systems are tested and certified by VICC, these will also become eligible for MPI discounts. Because VICC's rating system takes into account anti-theft devices that are installed at the factory, Douglas noted that MPI's premium structure already recognizes motorists who choose to purchase one of the 388 vehicle types with built-in systems that help deter theft. Douglas added that, while MPI and its partners are working hard to prevent auto theft and to ensure thieves are caught and punished, the bottom line is that individual owners of vehicles are in the best position to prevent theft. "Immobilizing devices offer the top level of protection from theft but using any type of anti-theft device helps reduce your chances of suffering from the inconvenience and the personal violation that results,'' he said. "Taking action like parking in well-lit areas, ensuring your garage is locked and not leaving valuables in plain sight are also smart steps to take to reduce your risk." Douglas added that the efforts of MPI and its partners complement individual action. For example, MPI funds the operations of the Winnipeg Police Service Stolen Auto Unit that is dedicated to solving theft and capturing criminals. Together with police services and insurance brokers across the province, MPI also helps administer the Combat Auto Theft (CAT) program. The Corporation also works with community-based volunteer crime prevention and awareness groups that encourage positive action at the local level. MPI also offers a zero-deductible for theft claims on its two optional Autopac packages and a $100 credit on theft claims applied to the basic Autopac deductible when there is proof an anti-theft device was defeated. Contact:
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